We know it sounds bizarre as the GT-R was only launched in late 2007, and in spite of the fact that the sports coupe received several model year upgrades including engine and suspension revisions in December 2008, Nissan has yet again announced the release of a 'facelift' model that will go on sale in Japan on December 7 and the rest of the world in spring of 2010.

For the 2011 model year, the updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system.

More specifically, equipment improvements comprise of a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions and USB port with iPod connectivity.

According to Nissan, the 2011MY GT-R's suspension has been retuned to offer "enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface".

Suspension changes include the increased accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs and the strengthening of the stiffness of the rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened.

In addition, Nissan said that the rear diffusers with cooling ducts that improve cooling performance around the rear floor area which were previously available only on the more hardcore GT-R SpecV, are now offered on the base model.

As for the GT-R SpecV, the 2011 model year brings revised rear shock absorber settings, with Nissan claiming that they enhance "the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling".

Furthermore, the 2011 GT-R SpecV now ride on Dunlop tires while the previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.

Finally, both the Nissan GT-R and GT-R SpecV get new hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that are said to reduce ventilation/airflow resistance resulting in improved low- and mid-range response of the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.